May25

Quick Tips For An Even Better Smile

Posted on by
Standard
Quick Tips For An Even Better Smile

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. A lot of people worry about how their smile looks, especially in photographs. If you’re worried about yours, try these tips for an even better smile that is healthier too:

Floss daily:

Flossing gets rid of plaque from between your teeth and out from under your gum line, where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. Flossing makes you less likely to suffer from tooth decay and gingivitis. Without flossing, tartar builds up under the surface of your gum lines, which can lead to periodontal disease. This causes bone destruction and tooth loss. To floss properly, wrap the floss around your finger and slide it into the gap between your teeth. Slide the floss gently up and down under the gum line two or three times. If you don’t like the feeling of flossing, you can use an oral irrigater instead. These spray water between your teeth to remove plaque and food without the need for floss.

See your dentist twice a year:

A professional cleaning every six months is a great way to maintain a gorgeous smile by keeping it healthy. If you don’t get a regular cleaning from a dentist, you could have an increased risk of periodontal disease. This causes swollen, receding, and bleeding gums, which is uncomfortable and unattractive. It is also linked to a greater risk of conditions including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea. A good cleaning will remove stain and tartar. A regular trip to your dentist also means they can screen for other health conditions. Many health conditions have early signs that show in the mouth, so your dentist or hygienist can catch many problems very early that you can then follow up with your doctor. Your dentist can also advise you on solutions for your smile like whitening, braces, or Freedom Mini Dental Implants.

Limit tea, coffee, and red wine:

Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are all known for staining your teeth. They can build up a superficial stain that your dentist will be able to polish away for you, but they could also cause much deeper staining of the tooth enamel that is much harder to remove. Drinking these drinks through a straw can help to reduce the risk of staining, and can also reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking anything like this so the dark liquid won’t stay on the teeth, and have a chance to stain.

Buy a quality toothbrush:

Electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and give you healthier gums than manual toothbrushes. If nothing else, buy a manual brush that has soft bristles. Bristles that are too stiff and brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede and will wear down the enamel from your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush, and brush gently to avoid damaging your teeth by accident.

Ready, set, smile!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May25

Know About Cigarettes & Your Teeth

Posted on by
Standard
Know About Cigarettes & Your Teeth

It is well known that smoking not only negatively affects your physical health but your oral health too. According to the American Lung Association, approximately more than 7000 chemicals mixed with nicotine are found in tobacco. It’s difficult to stop due to the addictive qualities nicotine has on people, along with the withdrawal symptoms caused. However, the adverse effects are far worse long-term for your oral health, as gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and halitosis are some of the many risks to look out for. Keep reading for a better understanding on these:

Gum Disease:

Gum disease or gingivitis, which could possibly lead to periodontitis, can be caused by smoking. The build-up of plaque on the teeth, which could then harden to tartar, is increased bacteria buildup, creating red, inflamed, and bleeding gums that could develop into an infection. Smoking hinders the healing process, and if left unchecked, the issues could lead to tooth loss. There are multiple symptoms and risk factors, but it’s essential to check it out with your dentist if you see red flag signs. It is crucial to prevent the effects from getting worse over time.

Oral Effects of Smoking:

The adverse effects of smoking lead to tooth decay, teeth discoloration, and bad breath (halitosis) caused by the build-up of tar and nicotine. With this, your sense of taste begins to decrease along with your appetite. Nicotine, when combined with oxygen, is known to cause discoloration. The tar build-up leaves behind yellow or black discoloration on the teeth and an intense build-up on the tongue called the smoker’s tongue. These are a combination of adverse effects caused by the ingredients being absorbed in the mouth.

Prevention & Treatment For Gum Disease and Oral Health:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Mouth Wash
  • Floss every day
  • See a dentist regularly
  • Deep cleaning
  • Medications (if treatment is needed)
  • Quit smoking

Risk of Oral Cancer:

According to the WHO, smoking leads to multiple forms of cancer and accounts for 90% of them, including oral cancer. It is known to weaken the immune system and make healing harder. If you have regular checkups with your dentist, such as Summer Creek Dental, you can detect the symptoms in their early stages. An oral cancer screening is highly recommended for smokers as 27% of deaths recorded in Europe in 2018 have been positively linked to smoking. Mouth cancer is likely to be developed in the tongue, lips, and throat.

If you can quit smoking, it has been found that the build of bacteria decreases, and your sense of taste and smell start to return. Your mouth can be restored once you quit with your practitioner’s help, which will most likely bring back a bright smile and a better mood. If leaving isn’t entirely on the cards yet, it’s essential to take extra care of your oral health and regularly assist in prevention.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May25

How To Help Your Child Get Over A Fear Of The Dentist

Posted on by
Standard
How To Help Your Child Get Over A Fear Of The Dentist

You know that going to the dentist is very important for your oral health, but children often feel scared of the dentist, and it can be hard to get them to go. It’s common to feel nervous before the dentist, however, a serious fear of the dentist could stop your children from looking after their teeth properly in later life. How can you help them to overcome their fear? Read on to find out more:

Find The Right Dentist:

There are dentists who specialize in treating fearful patients, so look for them, or see a family dentist like ÉLAN Dentistry who is used to nervous children. These dentists take extra care to make their office seem less scary. This might mean using soothing photography or music, instead of displaying dental care posters. Sometimes the dentist themselves will dress in more casual clothing instead of scrubs. The sights, sounds, and smells of a typical dentist’s office can be frightening, so removing those triggers can help a lot. Look for a dentist who understands your child’s fears and is willing to work around them. Start by searching for “Georgetown Dentist”, or a local practice, to explore dental professionals who can both keep your child’s teeth clean and help soothe their nerves, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Talk To Them:

Make sure your child understands what will happen while they’re at the dentist. Talk to them about their appointment and explain what will happen (in as non-scary a way as you can manage), so they know what to expect. If they know what will happen, this can make the appointment less scary for them. It’s important to have a dentist who has experience with nervous patients and a calm, gentle demeanor. Enter a search for “best dentist in Beverly Hills” (or your local area) and read reviews from other patients as you make your decision. Be sure to take note of the dentists who made other patients feel rushed, as this won’t be the best option for your child. At the appointment, ask the dentist to explain what they’re doing as they’re doing it, so your child isn’t surprised by something they didn’t know would happen.

Distract Them:

Look for distractions while your child is in the dentist’s chair. Take some headphones for them and let them listen to music or an audiobook. Find a dentist who has a TV for patients to watch in the chair and put on one of their favorite shows.

Try relaxation techniques:

Controlled breathing can work well. Get your child to take a deep breath, hold it in, then let it out very slowly. This slows the heartbeat and relaxes the muscles. You could also get them to try progressive muscle relaxation, which is when you tense and relax different muscle groups in succession to ease tension.

See the dentist at a less busy time:

There will be fewer people there, so less chance of hearing the noise of dental tools from other rooms. Your dentist is also more likely to have more time to ease your child’s fears and let them take small breaks than they will at busier times when they might be running behind on their appointments. The later you go in the day, the more time your child has to let their fears build up too.

Some dentist offices like Sparkle Dental conveniently let you schedule appointments online. If you are looking for dentists Herndon, Virgina then this is a great option. If not, just give your local office a call or visit online and try to schedule a first thing in the morning appointment so your child’s fear doesn’t have a chance to fester.

Get Help:

If your child’s fear is becoming a phobia, then it might be worth having them speak with a therapist. Treating a dentist phobia is much like other any other, and is often helped by direct therapeutic exposure. This means your child will be introduced to feared items, such as dental tools, in a controlled, gradual, non-threatening manner.

As mentioned above, being nervous to go to the dentist is completely normal. If your child is fearful of the dentist, try any of the above tips before their next cleaning!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May25

How To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on by
Standard
How To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Children are vulnerable to most dental infections. Even though dentistry services have advanced recently due to technology, parents still have to play active roles to improve their dental health and that of their little ones. Oral health is essential because untreated dental conditions have been associated with diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases in adults. Also referred to as dental caries, tooth decay affects kids and adults. Thankfully, these are largely preventable with good practices. Here are a few tips to promote your child’s dental health:

Start caring for dental health as soon as possible:

By the age of 6 months, you may want to stop your baby from taking breast milk or formula at night. It has been thought that late night breastfeeding increases the risk of tooth decay in kids due to the lactose content (milk sugar). By 1-year-old, your child needs to have access to dental care services and be examined by dentists every three to six months. Dental services for families may differ and may include consulting pediatric dentists. Parents who live in the Lehi, Utah area may find Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry services very helpful for their infants and children.

Going to the dentist can be scary for children and adults alike so it is important to instill confidence in your children for these appointments. If your child is nervous or anxious, be sure to call ahead of time as the dentist might need to spend some extra time with them. And that is okay! Teams like those at Sync Dental (or a similar practice in your local area) are dedicated to creating as comfortable of an atmosphere as possible so everyone can rest a bit easier in their chair. Talk your child up before a dentist appointment and a treat afterwards can always help!

Stick to a healthy diet:

Being mindful of your child’s diet is one way to ensure that they don’t eat foods that increase their risks of getting cavities. The rule of thumb is that any food or drink with high sugar content is potentially unhealthy for their dental health. When your child eats more carbs, they will have a higher tendency to develop cavities.

Let your children taste the natural sweetness of fruits instead – that is way healthier than giving them too much candy. Discourage your little ones from eating a lot of snacks and soda pop. These not only could expose them to obesity; the mixture of sugar and acid could break down their teeth. The same is valid for juice – it’s another form of soda pop with no carbonation.

Give kids fluoride:

Routine application of fluoride hardens the enamel, making it difficult for acid to penetrate the teeth. While some town water supply systems are fluoridated, others are not. If that is the case in your community, you can ask your dentist to recommend fluoride supplements for you and your family. The majority of toothpaste on the market contains fluoride, but that alone is not enough to protect your child’s teeth.

Having said that too, excessive amounts of fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration. Always consult your dentists before giving supplements to your kids. During your children’s annual dental exam, dentists may apply fluoride varnish to their teeth. This topical fluoride helps prevent and heal early cavities.

When your child starts to develop permanent teeth, your dentist may apply a thin wash of resin (sealant) to the back of their teeth where chewing occurs. This coating prevents tooth decay by stopping bacteria from settling in the crevices of the molars. Finally, understand that regular flossing and brushing are essential to good dental hygiene.

A good understanding of dental care that is taught early on in your child’s life is so important and will help them to be proactive in better protecting their teeth.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May25

Movie Night

Posted on by
Standard
Movie Night

Hello!! At the beginning of the month, Johnny and I began a new Tuesday tradition of movie night AKA “Gruesome Twosome Tuesday” a la It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. We have been watching Star Wars (Johnny’s favorite!) in chronological order and it has been such a blast. I have only seen each movie in the series once when Johnny and I first started dating and all of them are pretty blurry to me, so it’s kind of like watching them for the first time again. Meanwhile, Johnny can quote each one word for word!

Every Tuesday I wake up excited to go to work so I can get home and enjoy movie night with my soon to be husband. We even have the next series to watch figured out once we’re done with Star Wars… The Conjuring!! Gruesome Twosome Tuesday has been such a success that we have decided to turn Friday nights into a movie night too. Johnny has recently been listening to all of the classic horror novels on Audible and would like to watch some black and white films like Dracula and Frankenstein which I am so there for.

Pre-pandemic, Johnny and I used to love going to movies together and had many a date nights at the movie theater. Although we are just in our living room on a slightly uncomfortable couch, our movie nights bring me back to amazing memories and it has been one of the highlights of this past month for me. After doing some grocery shopping, Johnny proudly showed me the Butter Lovers popcorn that he got which makes me look forward to movie nights even more! 😀

What was the last movie that you watched? What was the last movie that you saw in theaters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May24

4 “Minor” Health Issues That Could Actually Be Major

Posted on by
Standard
4 “Minor” Health Issues That Could Actually Be Major

We’re all a little guilty of ignoring new health symptoms, especially if they seem fairly minor in nature. We think that we can treat them ourselves or that they’ll go away on their own as long as we don’t do anything to make them worse, and most of the time that may be the case. However, there are numerous “minor” health issues that could actually be more serious than you think. Let’s take a look at them now:

Constipation:

Constipation can be uncomfortable, but it can also be embarrassing, which is why most of us try to deal with it ourselves by taking a little senna or adding more fiber to our diets. Most of the time that’s all that’s needed. But, if you are suffering from constipation that is both prolonged and painful, it could be another story altogether. Persistent constipation can lead to hemorrhoids and even confusion, especially in older people. It could also be a symptom of bowel cancer or an intestinal blockage, so you really should seek the advice of your doctor if you are experiencing constipation over a period of time. However, most bouts with constipation are temporary conditions that can be easily solved. They sometimes might result in hemorrhoids but that too can be treated with hemorrhoid cream.

Gum boils:

If you start to notice boils or sores on your gums, you may naturally just pop to the chemist for some ointment to soothe and cure the problem. Again, that may be all that’s needed, but if you get a lot of sores and boils or if they become infected, it could be a sign of something more serious like gum disease. You should make an appointment with a dental practice like Rivers Edge Dental as soon as possible. If it’s caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed, and if that is not possible, it can be managed so that it doesn’t get worse. If you notice any oral health issues, you should not wait to seek help.

Feeling down:

If you’re feeling blue, you’re uninterested in doing much, and you’re more tired than usual, it could be more than simply feeling down, you could be depressed. Depression is really serious and the sooner you seek help for it and get the right treatment, the more likely you are to get back to your old self and start feeling good again. Not only that, but depression can also be a symptom of several serious physical illnesses including M.E, and even cancer in some cases, so it really does need to be explored.

Pexels

Accidentally peeing:

You might think that accidentally peeing a little when you laugh or cough is no big deal in terms of your health, but it could actually be a sign that there is a problem with your pelvic floor, for example, and there are things you can do about that. So, there is no need to suffer in silence – go and see your doctor and see what can be recommended for you.

They may seem minor, but if you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a medical professional is a good idea.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May24

Happy Early Birthday To Me!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Early Birthday To Me!

Hi! If you know Lil Red, then you will know that I simply cannot wait to give people their presents for gift giving occasions. My fiance, Johnny, on the other hand prefers to open gifts until the day of the birthday or holiday or at least get fairly close. So, imagine my surprise when Johnny wanted to give me my birthday presents super early. Our birthdays are one week apart from each other in June and this was an excellent development for me because I had been dying to give him his gifts!

Earlier in May, Johnny gifted me with an amazing standing makeup holder for all of my bits and baubles. And, this past week, he gave me my main gift… the original Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64!

For our one year anniversary, Johnny got me Paper Mario: The Origami King for the Nintendo Switch and this past Valentine’s Day, he gifted me with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door for the GameCube. Can you tell what one of my favorite video games is? To complete my collection, I needed the Paper Mario for the N64 and I also need the one for the Nintendo 3DS. With my early birthday prezzie, I am one step closer to having all of the Paper Mario games and I am eager to give my new (old) one a try as I have never played it.

Time and time again, I am blown away by Johnny’s thoughtfulness more than anything on gift giving occasions. Whenever we give each other presents, it always seems to be exactly what we both wanted. This shows me that we are actually listening to each other when we talk and that is the best gift of all. Johnny is such fun to shop for and he received some Legend Of Zelda Amiibos as well as a blazer from his favorite website, Phix, for his birthday. Nothing was better than seeing the look on his face when he opened them and I can’t wait for a lifetime of birthdays and holidays with him. ❤

What is your favorite video game? Who is your favorite person to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May23

Loud & Clear!

Posted on by
Standard
Loud & Clear!

Hello all!! A few days ago, I posted about how the radio in my car has not been working for the past several months. I drive a lot for work, so it has been a huge drag not being able to have my singalongs when I hit the road. Before, my radio would always turn back on after a day or two of not working but after months had gone by, I had all but given up hope of hearing anything in my car until I got it fixed. So, you could imagine my surprise when the radio began playing music out of nowhere!

I was about to leave work for the day, turned my car on, and was immediately greeted by The University of Akron’s radio station blasting. Needless to say, it completely shocked me and I dropped my iPod as I was selecting music to play at full volume for the ride home! It’s a little thing, but listening to the radio while I drive makes my work day better and, despite being stuck in rush hour traffic, it was the best drive I have had in months.

I wouldn’t say that I had a bad day at work that day, but I definitely have felt like I could use a pick me up and my radio working was just the surprise I needed. I was eager to hear what the hits have been after two months of radio silence and I walked into my apartment with an ear to ear grin because the last song I heard was one of my jams by Machine Gun Kelly. Small thing. World of difference.

While I love my job so much, we all have those days where we just don’t feel like going to work. However, as I write this, I am itching to get in my car and start my day so I can listen to the radio and enjoy the eighty degree weather in Ohio with my windows down. Let’s have a great day today!

What is your favorite radio station? Who is your favorite Top 40 artist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May22

Buyer Beware!

Posted on by
Standard
Buyer Beware!

Hi! Whether it’s a good or bad review, I like to be completely honest about my opinions or experiences with my readers. You might remember a previous post of mine gabbing about Wildly Untamed Boutique and how pleased I was with their customer service as I ordered heels from there for my wedding. While I still stand by that, I have to retract a statement I made saying that I would order from there again because that has been proven false since my last post.

Unfortunately, the heels I ordered were too big so I contacted Wildly Untamed Boutique’s customer service and asked to exchange them for a smaller pair. Knowing that it takes about three or so days to hear back from them, I ordered the size down so that the heels would arrive in ample time for my wedding. Customer service acknowledged that and I waited patiently for an update after the distributor was contacted.

I was instructed to ship the too large pair back and a shipping label to China was sent to me. I live in Ohio in the USA and my naive self thought “it can’t cost that much to ship back”. So, you could imagine my surprise when an employee from the UPS Store told me that it would cost several hundred dollars to ship the one hundred fifteen dollar pair of shoes back. Either way in this scenario, I would be losing money.

As soon as I returned home, I emailed customer service again and asked if there was any other location that I could ship to because of exorbitant shipping fees. I also recalled that the shoes arrived with a printed shipping address in the USA, not in China (which I have saved). I was told that they had no other locations in the email back, so now I am essentially out two hundred thirty dollars.

Two hundred thirty? Yes. Because not only did I not have the option to return the too big pair of shoes, they did not have my size in the color that I wanted. I ordered a lesser loved color because I needed something that fit. However, that didn’t stop me from searching for the heels in the color that I wanted elsewhere online a few days later. And guess what? I found them on the actual brand’s website for FORTY BUCKS. That’s a marked up price on Wildly Untamed Boutique of seventy-five dollars!!!!!!

If this review doesn’t turn you off completely from shopping with Wildly Untamed Boutique, then I would recommend using caution when purchasing with them. If your order needs returned, chances are, the shipping fees will be more expensive than what you originally spent. They also, obviously, mark up their selection A LOT so you could almost certainly find what you want for cheaper elsewhere. Very disappointing.

Have you ever had a similar situation with online shopping? What did you do to remedy it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

Groovy Movies: Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Groovy Movies: Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train Edition

Hello!!!! This past weekend was an awesome one because I went to my first movie in theaters since 2019! I went to see Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train with my brother, Andrew, and brother in law, Ramon, for part of Andrew’s birthday celebrations and it was absolutely amazing! Andrew introduced me to the anime, Demon Slayer, during the pandemic and I have been dying for more ever since finishing season one. So, you can only imagine my excitement when Mugen Train was set to come out in theaters, showing the in between of seasons one and two.

After much planning around busy schedules, we were finally able to see the Demon Slayer movie at a local Cinemark and it was so wonderful being back in a movie theater after so long. I was able to order our tickets online and once your purchase is made, it blocks anyone from buying seats next to you and it made me feel really comfortable and I appreciated all of their excellent COVID precautions. I also really appreciated the nachos from the snack bar! 😀

Now, without giving any spoilers away, let’s talk about this flick:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video!

Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train begins where season one left off with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke boarding the Mugen Train. Along with Tanjiro’s demon sister, Nezuko, safely in tow in her travel box, of course. Many passengers have disappeared on the train, which can only point to demon activity. So, the boys are instructed to meet up with the Fire Hashira, MISTER RENGOKU, and defeat the demon that is causing so much catastrophe. They are in for a long, hard fight because while incredibly badass, Enmu who is Lower Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki, uses some pretty insane Blood Demon Art that puts her opponents to sleep.

Not only do you get to explore the train and its surroundings outside with our heroes but you also get a glimpse into their dreams as well, thanks to the sleep induced by Enmu. The dreams of Mister Rengoku, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke gives you a better understanding of their past and shows you their deepest desires. The only catch is that once you are asleep, you can’t wake up!

Once Tanjiro figures out how to get himself out of the dreaming world, it is ON and the action that follows is nonstop until the movie is over because another member of the Twelve Kizuki shows up for good measure. Will the Demon Slayers be able to stop Enmu in her tracks on the train? Are they getting closer to finally defeating Kibutsuji? And just how many people are going to die in this process? See Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train to find out!

The Demon Slayer movie was an incredible ride and I didn’t want it to end, even though it was just about two hours long. It was so jam packed with action and information that it could have gone on for another two hours and I would have been happy. The movie gave you such a sense of claustrophobic urgency because they were limited to the interior of the train full of passengers for a while and fatalities seemed eminent. Once the fighting started on the train top, all of my tension was released and all I could feel was adrenaline as I rooted for the Demon Slayers. Like I said, it was quite a ride.

The story line of Mugen Train was excellent but the beautiful animation is what really drove it home for me. The colors, scenery, and sometimes hilarious facial expressions are so visually appealing and it was nothing short of a delight to watch. In fact, my favorite part of the movie was Enmu of the Twelve Kizuki because she was amazing to look at and I felt disappointed every time a scene with her in it ended. I loved her menswear inspired outfit, facial markings, hair, and her walking hand with a mouth and eye of its own. Her Blood Demon Art of gifting people with sweet dreams or endless nightmares was also very cool.

Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train is a must see for anime fans and I am sure it will blow you away, as it did for me. I am awarding this movie with the prestigious ten out of ten star rating and I cannot wait for season two to be released!

What is your favorite anime? What is the last movie that you saw in theaters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: 13th Floor